Exploring Indonesia’s peacemaking efforts

Indonesia’s transition to democracy since 1998 has been marred by the eruption of internal conflicts. A new study entitledConflict Management in Indonesia – An Analysis of the Conflict in Maluku, Papua and Poso suggests this transition has had a direct impact on the way these conflicts are being managed.

The report, produced jointly by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD Centre), the Indonesian Institute of Sciences and Current Asia , shows how the country’s political transition and the many changes that have accompanied it – from the increasing role of civil society to the changing relationship between the police and the military as well as between state and society - have contributed to producing a ‘complex landscape of conflicts’.

Focusing on three conflict-affected regions - Poso, Maluku and Papua – the study takes a practical and in-depth look at the ways in which these conflicts have been managed and possibilities for future conflict resolution. It considers which peacemaking approaches have been used and could be regarded as successful. It seeks to fill the existing gap in comparative analysis in this area and contribute to future policymaking and good practice in Indonesia.

“While each of those conflicts has its very own characteristics and roots, common themes and issues in the way they have been managed can be identified and lessons learnt,” said Michael Vatikiotis, HD Centre Regional Director for Asia. “The purpose of this study is to improve understanding of Indonesia’s complex conflict landscape and, where possible, draw lessons from past experience which may usefully inform future peacemaking practice.” he added.

The report addresses several common issues including the appropriate use of security forces to address conflicts, the management of funds for development and humanitarian purposes in conflict-affected areas, and the need for improved co-ordination within the government.

This publication is the first in a series of three produced as a result of the HD Centre’s project, Comparative Perspectives on Conflict Management in Asia. The project sought to analyse conflict management and resolution approaches in Asia while considering terrorism, social and economic disparity, marginalisation and radicalism in the context of the region. Forthcoming publications will focus on conflict management issues in India and the Philippines respectively.

The report is available in English and Bahasa Indonesia.

The HD Centre wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the MacArthur Foundation (Asia Security Initiative), the Canadian International Development Research Centre, and the Canadian Embassy in Jakarta for their financial support for the Indonesia study.